Too Busy to File a Tax Return? 11 Tips for Procrastinators

EXTENSION TENSION

Uh-oh. The tax-filing deadline is around the corner, and some people are rushing to prepare their tax returns at the last minute. A mistake can be costly, both in terms of penalties for underpaid taxes and time spent dealing with an audit. What can procrastinators do? Filing a tax extension may be an option, but there are a few details to know first.

Photo credit: Piotrekswat/istockphoto

THE DEADLINE IS APRIL 17 THIS YEAR

Good news (and a little tax trivia): There are two extra days to file this year. Washington, D.C., recognizes April 16 as Emancipation Day, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act. This year the holiday falls on Monday. That's why the tax-filing day has been pushed to Tuesday, April 17.

Photo credit: Mega Pixel/shutterstock

OWED A REFUND? PENALTIES DO NOT APPLY

There is no penalty for filing a late tax return if the IRS owes you a refund -- and that counts for up to three years after the missed filing date. Most people are eager to claim that money, though, and after three years the refund is forfeited.

Photo credit: ImagePixel/shutterstock

LATE FILING CAN LEAD TO FEES

Taxpayers who fail to file a tax return and pay taxes on time may have to pay two penalties. The failure-to-pay penalty is 0.5 percent of the unpaid taxes each month, up to 25 percent of the total unpaid taxes. (Blow off IRS attempts to collect and it could rise to 1 percent.) The failure-to-file penalty is 5 percent each month of the taxes owed, again up to 25 percent of the total unpaid taxes. But 5 percent is also the monthly maximum even if both penalties apply.

Photo credit: ImagePixel/shutterstock

THE TOTAL COMBINED PENALTY CAN BE BIG

The failure-to-file penalty maxes out at 25 percent after five months, but the failure-to-pay penalty continues. Combined, the total penalty can add up to 47.5 percent of the unpaid tax. Taxpayers who do not file within 60 days of the deadline must pay a minimum failure-to-file penalty that is the lesser of $210 or 100 percent of the owed taxes.

Photo credit: Cris Kelly/shutterstock

AND DON'T FORGET THE INTEREST

In addition to the penalties for filing and paying late, the IRS might demand that interest be paid on the unpaid taxes owed. The rate is currently 5 percent, but it can change every three months.

Photo credit: Kaspars Grinvalds/shutterstock

SIX EXTRA MONTHS COULD COME IN HANDY

People who opt for a tax extension have until Oct. 17 to file their tax returns. An extension can help avoid the failure-to-file penalty, which may be up to 10 times higher than the late-payment penalty. But the failure-to-pay penalty may still apply if the taxes go unpaid. To avoid it, make a payment of at least 100 percent of the previous year's tax liability or 90 percent of the current year's taxes owed in April and the remainder by Oct. 17.

Photo credit: Randall Schwanke/shutterstock

HOW TO FILE AN EXTENSION

Taxpayers who use online software to self-prepare and file taxes may be able to e-file an extension with the help of the software. There are Free File tax software options that offer this service to workers earning less than $66,000. An estimated tax payment can also be made online with the IRS' Direct Pay system, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or using a credit or debit card. Otherwise, fill out and mail Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. The form requires only a name, address, tax identification number, the estimated tax liability, and the amount being paid. It must be postmarked by April 17 this year.

Photo credit: Monkey Business Images/shutterstock

WHY FILE AN EXTENSION?

Procrastinators are only one group that may want to consider filing for a tax extension. Business owners, investors, and in some cases regular employees may need this option because they didn't receive all the information or forms they need to file on time.

Photo credit: Richard Peterson/shutterstock

THE GOVERNMENT CAN BE UNDERSTANDING

Although taxes are still due by the tax-filing deadline, some people may get a temporary pass on filing their returns. This includes people living abroad, military members serving in combat zones, and victims of some natural disasters. The IRS does not charge late-filing and late-payment penalties if reasonable cause can be shown for the delay, such as the death or serious illness of an immediate family member.

Photo credit: Renovacio/shutterstock

DON'T FORGET TO PAY THE STATE

States that collect income tax have varying rules for filing an extension. For example, California says it "automatically" gives a six-month extension, but -- similar to how federal extensions work -- the amount owed in taxes still must be paid by the filing deadline.

Photo credit: Africa Studio/shutterstock

CAN'T AFFORD IT?

People who can't afford to pay at least 90 percent of their owed taxes can contact the IRS by phone, mail, or in person. Explain the situation and the IRS may offer to accept monthly installment payments or temporarily delay payment. If other options are not viable, the IRS may agree to settle the debt for a lesser amount. Applying for a settlement requires the taxpayer to pay a $186 fee and file Form 656: Offer in Compromise.

UP NEXT

Cheapism.com participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to purchase a product through a link on our site. This helps support our work and does not influence editorial content.